Russian envoy calls for truly inclusive government in Afghanistan at UN

Russia's UN envoy Vasily Nebenzia stated on Monday at the Security Council that Moscow seeks a truly inclusive government in Afghanistan with participation from all groups. He told Western countries that warnings are ineffective in engaging with the Taliban and called for constructive dialogue without blackmail to reintegrate Afghanistan into the international community.

Nebenzia emphasized increasing trust between the Taliban and UN representatives, urging the lifting of sanctions. He noted Afghanistan has achieved some stability since foreign forces withdrew and called for a unified, non-politicized approach from all nations.

Criticizing some Western countries, he said conditioning humanitarian aid and issuing ultimatums to the Taliban solves no problems. Nebenzia warned that if the UN's presence serves only Western interests, the Taliban may lose interest, endangering the entire mission.

He expressed concern over rising military clashes between Pakistan and the Taliban, inviting both sides to dialogue and offering Russia's mediation. Nebenzia described the Taliban's efforts against ISIS-Khorasan and poppy cultivation as positive but insufficient, stressing the need for global assistance to eradicate the drug threat.

He urged UNAMA to work toward releasing Afghanistan's frozen assets and stressed creating conditions for women to live in a stable country.